In a significant breakthrough, the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State and the Ministry of Justice, has successfully recovered a substantial partial payment of state funds.
This marks a major milestone for the newly established Funds & Assets Recovery Unit and reinforces the government of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency.
Recall that recently, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and renowned assets recovery advisor, had in a press statement, raised public concerns about the alarming situation regarding vast amounts of state funds and assets that had fallen into private hands. Following a meticulous review of these assets and their significance to Ondo State’s development, he led a renewed commitment to reclaim these vital funds for the benefit of the people.
This achievement sets a new precedent, as the office of Attorney General has successfully reclaimed such a considerable sum on behalf of the Ondo State Government.
Elated by the recovery, Attorney General Dr. Ajulo expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Justice. He described the recovery as a testament to the Governor’s dedication to protecting public funds and ensuring they are utilised for the development of the State.
“Under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Ministry of Justice has rallied its team to work diligently toward this goal. These collective efforts not only highlight the State government’s unwavering resolve to recover its assets but also confirm the effectiveness of the newly established recovery unit.” Dr. Ajulo stated.
The AG emphasized that this milestone not only reinforces Governor Aiyedatiwa’s resolve to strengthen financial integrity but will also boost public confidence in the administration’s efforts to safeguarding state resources. He assured the government’s steadfastness to ensuring that recovered funds and assets will directly contribute to future development projects.
Dr. Ajulo said Governor Aiyedatiwa has given a marching order on this recovery, emphasizing that the funds, running into millions, would be more beneficial to the people of Ondo State than being illegally withheld by individuals. Eulogising the Governor’s dedication to good governance, he said, “Mr. Governor has once again demonstrated prudence and his commitment to the welfare of the state. His determination is fueled by the belief that what belongs to the people must be harnessed for their benefit, not to satisfy a few individuals.
The Attorney General declared that the era of allowing state funds and assets to remain in the hands of certain entities without accountability is over, especially when as those who are saddled with the responsible have now been adequately empowered to function. He reaffirmed that every project, either abandoned, ongoing or completed, must be accounted for and assured that the Ministry of Justice will not only vet and draft contracts but will also ensure proper monitoring and compliance, as a Monitoring & Compliance Unit will be set up in the Ministry. He also emphasized that his office will not hesitate to charge and prosecute those found culpable.
Dr. Ajulo further assured that this recovery is just the beginning, as more funds and assets will be reclaimed in the coming weeks. He stated that while a comprehensive report on the recovered funds will be made available at the end of the process, he remains fully committed, along with the Funds & Assets Recovery Unit, to ensuring the success of the initiative. He also issued a stern warning to individuals and entities still in possession of Ondo State’s funds or assets, emphasizing that they will be held accountable through all available legal means.
“As we intensify our recovery efforts, the Attorney General’s Office remains fully committed to restoring Ondo State’s financial integrity, setting a strong example of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.” He concluded.
